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“Soul Revolution Part II” by Bob Marley and The Wailers - album review

The Wailers early 70s mission to deliver a new soulful brand of reggae moves on from last years’ part I (“Soul Rebels”) to this years’ part II (“Soul Revolution”), the second and final album of theirs to be cut with producer Lee Perry at the helm. The set opens up with a fantastic cover of the Impressions ’64 tune “Keep on Moving”, almost coming on like an artistic statement of intent, even if it is only a cover. It’s one only two covers on the LP, the other being “African Herbsman”, originally done as “Indian Rope Man” by Richie Havens in 1969. Marley pens 10 of the 12 tracks and he is more prominent than ever before with his lead vocal. It’s interesting that his name appears upfront on the billing – what did Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer think about this I wonder? Perry’s touch is key to the album’s success; those basslines are plunging deeper than ever before into hearts and souls. Best of the Marley-penned collaborative efforts is “Sun is Shining” which is stripped to highlight vocals, bass and melodica. Augustus Pablo was surely listening in!